Queen Elizabeth Just Canceled Her Favorite Summer Vacation Plans and Still Can’t Go Home
Like all members of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth is following social distancing guidelines and sheltering in place amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. She and her husband, 98-year-old Prince Philip, left Buckingham Palace and have been staying together at Windsor Castle ever since the outbreak became public.
The 94-year-old monarch has been keeping busy at Windsor, a spokesperson said, but does not plan to return to her home anytime soon. Unfortunately, that also means Her Majesty will be skipping her beloved annual summer holiday at Balmoral.
Queen Elizabeth spends every summer at Balmoral
The queen is a huge fan of tradition and routine. One of her favorite activities is embarking on her annual pilgrimage to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her Majesty spends every summer there, hosting guests including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to name a few.
“I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands,” Princess Eugenie said in the documentary Our Queen At Ninety. “It’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there, where you just have room to breathe and run.”
Unfortunately, the queen likely won’t be able to go this year.
The queen is taking smart precautions during the pandemic
Though Queen Elizabeth is surely disappointed to be missing her favorite summer getaway and wishes she was in her home, the 94-year-old monarch is not willing to take any risks with her health.
“The Queen won’t do anything which goes against the advice of people in her [age] category and she’s going to take all the appropriate advice… she’d want to be seen to be being responsible in her actions,” a spokesperson confirmed, according to Daily Mail.
Her Majesty is not expected to leave her temporary home at Windsor before the fall at the earliest. Even that date is not set in stone.
Queen Elizabeth is sending messages of strength and positivity from afar
Though she’s unable to greet her adoring fans in public, the queen is using technology to her advantage to express her love and devotion to her loyal subjects.
“When I look at our country today and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognize and admire. Never give up, never despair – that was the message of VE Day,” she said during a recent speech, which was shared on the royal family’s Instagram page.
The royal family canceled other events
Besides canceling her summer vacation, the queen was forced to forgo her annual Trooping the Colour birthday celebration, another beloved family tradition. Princess Beatrice was meant to have her royal wedding on May 29 and now that’s been postponed indefinitely as well.
The 2020 Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded veterans, were also canceled. Prince Harry delivered a video message on the organization’s Twitter page on the day opening ceremonies should have begun.
